This here is a matchbox car. A Cadillac, I believe, that Sean found in a grocery store this weekend. He loves to collect cars like these and in the past month has bought, probably close to a dozen of these toys. And he was SO excited about this particular car for reasons I will never understand.

This weekend we were in Long Island running errands and hiking and decided to do a bit of grocery shopping. And lo and behold, the grocery store sold matchboxes. Due to this fact, I lost him for at least 20 minutes while he perused the aisle. But it’s ok…I knew what I was getting into by dating a comic book artist.

So, we arrive home and after settling in and watching some tv, he approached me with a hand behind his back.

Sean: I got something for you.

Me: Really?

Sean: Yep. But if for some reason you don’t like it, I’ll keep it.

And he pulled this blue Cadillac matchbox from behind his back, laughing maniacally. Of course I wouldn’t want a matchbox car…and he would get to keep it but also score points for thinking of me. Sean—did you really think this would work? That I wouldn’t see through this little plan and somehow foil it?

Me: (an evil grin spreading over my face) Wow! Thanks, hun…I love it.

And I plucked the car from your shocked little face and begun to roll it over the couch making “grrr” noises.

Sean: What? No! You’re not supposed to want it! And stop growling! Cars don’t go “grrrr”!

Me: But it was a gift…and I want it. So, thank you.

And for the rest of the night, “grrrr’ed” the car all over the couch and his shoulders and legs while he sat there pouting. After about an hour of torture, I caved a little.

Me: So, the car’s still mine…but if you want to keep Hubert in the case with the other cars, I’d appreciate it. He’ll get lonely sitting with my Lady and the Tramp figurine.

Sean: Hubert?? You named him Hubert??

Me: Then again, I suppose Hubert could come to work with me and sit on my desk…

Sean: (grimacing) No. I’ll keep Hubert with my other cars.

And I swear, I thought I saw him shudder when he said Hubert’s name aloud.